In the clearest indication of political reform, Aung San Suu Kyi was elected to parliamentTimes photographer, Peter Nicholls

Kenneth DenbyNaypyidaw

Last updated at 12:01AM, September 14 2012

The country has had its first shipment of Coca-Cola in 60 years and office space that cost £12 a square metre a year ago now costs £40

They came from all over the planet, by limousine, aeroplane and giant bright red bus, incongruously adorned with the logo of Manchester United. There were 800 of them from 34 countries, sweating in the tropical heat in heavy shoes and business suits, fruitlessly fiddling with their Blackberries in a country without Blackberry reception.

Burma has seen its share of invading armies but never one like the battalion of businessmen — and a few women — that descended on the country’s new capital, Naypyidaw, this week.

Until a few weeks ago it would have been illegal, or at least highly unethical, for many